Big Losses: Even with all the talent back, Ball State still has huge holes to fill with the loss of 3rd team All-American OF Jeremy Hazelbaker (.429, 8 triples, 29 SB), and 2B Nate Fields (.308, 16 doubles, 32 SB).

Schedule Notes: The Chippewas begin their schedule a week later than most starting on the weekend of February 26th when they travel to Bakersfield, CA to play against California, Cal-Bakersfield, and St. Mary’s. They open their home slate April 2nd when they welcome in MAC rival Ohio.

Hit for Power: Eastern Michigan hit just .287 as a team with only 4 regulars finishing with an average above .300, but did have 6 guys hit at least 10 homers to finish with 100 homers as a team, 2nd best in the MAC.

MVP Replacement: The Eagles lose team MVP Kyle Rhoad who produced one of the best seasons in school history hitting for a team-high .349 with 12 HR and 34 RBI. Rhoad led the MAC and set a single-season school record by swiping 32 bases in 35 attempts.

Breakthrough Year: Three Toledo players (P Justin Collop, P Mike Hamann, P Jeff Cinadr) were selected in the 2009 MLB draft tying a single-season record for the Rockets. Hamann was picked out of high school, but will join UT for 2010 instead of playing professionally. Overall, Toledo returns 25 of 30 letterwinners, 8 of 9 position starters, and 11 of the 14 pitchers from their 2009 squad.

Challenge Accepted: The Broncos have several tough road tests on this years schedule with road contests against Dallas Baptist, Oral Roberts, Notre Dame and Illinois-Chicago.

Offensive Offense: WMU hit only .278 as a team last year with just 4 players hitting over .300. Pedro Dager led the way with a .360 BA and 13 doubles, but is now gone. The three other top hitters from 2009 are back however. Leading this year’s offense is Chris Lewis (.318, 68 H, 7 HR), Kyle Galbraith (.304, 13 HR, 35 RBI), and Jamie Simpson (.333, 7 HR, .620 Slg. %).